For Dianne, being a single working mom while going to school was already a tough task. However, as a Latina woman growing up in the 60s and 70s, she also had to contend with ruthless racism.
An unlikely match
Because of this, finding love wasn't high on Dianne's list. Yet, love found her, and his name was Danny Lapriore.
Recalling their first meeting during an episode of Yahoo's 'Real Life Love' series, Dianne said that there was an instant spark.
"Even though we were very different, we connected immediately," she said. "I knew that he was good for me and I was good for him."
When asked about Dianne, Danny lit up like a lamp.
I saw in Dianne this amazing ability to overcome situations that she was in, and I think it was becoming obvious to me how strong she was as a human. Dianne taught me to be a man.
Danny Lapriore
Love turns toxic
The two were inseparable and got married within a year and a half of first meeting in 1978. However, to Danny's shock, his family disapproved of Dianne because of her race. The worst of it came from Danny's father.
In my family, I never heard anything racist until I brought home a girl that was dark-skinned and my father said to me, ‘If you marry someone outside the family, you’re dead.'
Danny Lapriore
Despite his father's threats, Danny stood firm and put his love for his wife ahead of his family's ignorance.
"I said, 'No problem, I can do without you, I don't need you,'" he recalled.
While standing up for Dianne was the right thing to do, the decision wasn't easy.
“I can’t describe how devastating it is to have the people you love the most reject you because you love someone else,” Danny said.
Their love won
Fortunately, love won, and Danny's family eventually accepted the couple- including his father. An emotional Dianne recalled when the patriarch approached her to make amends. "His father would later say to me: 'I know I'm a stupid man, and I hope you can forgive me,' and I said 'Yes, of course.'"
In hindsight, Danny thinks that their love was too real to be denied (Read more relationship quotes here).
“I don’t think they could accept who we were until they saw evidence of who we were,” Danny explained.
Love outshines all
Their love still burns strong. Now with 5 children, they seek to share the same values of love, resilience, and acceptance in them.
As for future plans? Danny's not sure, but he's certain of who he wants by his side.
I'm looking forward to the rest of our lives working with people, caring about people, traveling together, reading together, learning together.
Danny Lapriore
There's so much about this couple that amazes me.
How did Danny endure the pain and pressure from his family for years and stay strong? How did Dianne endure the pain and guilt she went through, feeling like she was the cause for all the turmoil, carrying herself with class and dignity despite it all?
The answer: Their unconditional love kept them focused through the odds.
In many ways, love is just like a compass: Some- like Danny's father- might get lost along the way, but in the end, they too will find true north.
They just need a little evidence.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.